Electronic smoking is a real alternative to the traditional cigarette. Many people are bothered by the smell and smoke that is produced when traditional tobacco is consumed. When you use an electronic cigarette, all harmful side effects are removed, such as the acrid smoke, and passive smoking of others. The electronic cigarette, also referred to as the e-cigarette, smokeless cigarette or electric cigarette, is an electrical or electronic device for inhaling vapourised liquid that forms a mist instead of cigarette smoke. This mist is similar in consistency and sensory effect to tobacco smoke, but the basic difference from a traditional cigarette however, is that no combustion takes place by tobacco or other plants.
A global trend is emerging for electronic cigarettes. They are becoming an increasingly popular substitute to tobacco cigarettes, and a growing number of smokers are willing to try them at least once. Apart from providing a new way of smoking, the e smoke generated from electronic cigarettes does not contribute to the problem of passive smoking. E-cigarettes provide not only a new way of smoking, but they also offer a taste alternative, namely, either smoke or menthol aromas. In this case, a liquid is vapourised from propylene glycol and a variety of flavours.
The taste of this fine mist depends on the flavour of the tobacco and contains no nicotine, no tar and no toxins. Almost all the electronic cigarettes available on the market are based on the evaporator principle and consist of a battery and an evaporator. The batteries and the evaporators are offered in different designs. Unregulated batteries are also widely used. With a variable battery, the makers can vary the voltage, and thus the performance of the e-cigarette.
Evaporators are available either as a disposable product, or reusable. The intensity of the flavour is very much dependent on the e-fluid used, however, the voltage at which the liquid is vaped is also important. Some e-liquids require a higher voltage to produce the best taste, while other liquids are better when vaped at lower voltages. The individual flavour will have its own specific temperature at which it is most fulsome and aromatic, and as you experiment and gain experience with the voltage, subtleties in the taste will become apparent, which is the result of vaping a variety of flavours at differing voltages.
The propylene glycol contained in the electronic cigarette ensures the e smoke is clear, colourless, nearly odourless and also highly hygroscopic, that is, the smoke absorbs moisture from the air. Propylene glycol is also used in the preparation of skin creams, toothpastes and chewing gums. It is toxicologically acceptable and it is permitted for use in the EU as a food additive. In contrast to smoking conventional cigarettes, no combustion takes place, as the flavours contained in the electronic cigarette will not be burned, but evaporated. This works in a similar way to a fog machine in disco or theatre. Electronic cigarettes are a modern, healthier form of smoking, and they are also far cheaper than conventional smoking, with a range of starter kits available.
There are three types of electronic cigarettes, each with its own advantages, and most vapers try different models to find the one that suits them the best. They are generally available in one, two or three pieces, with different functions. A one piece electronic cigarette is equipped with a pre-charged battery that is ready to smoke, and thrown away when its is used up. Sometimes there is a simple one step activation process which must be completed to engage the battery or the nicotine cartridge with the atomiser. The good thing about one piece or disposable e-cigarettes is that they are usually try the cheapest option for someone who wants to try them for the first time.
Two piece electronic cigarettes with cartridges that can be refilled are also known as cartomisers, due to the atomiser being structured within the nicotine cartridges for refill. These devices are very convenient because they only require a person to charge batteries and replace nicotine cartridges as maintenance. If you are a regular smoker of the two piece electronic cigarette, the atomiser, as well as the cartridge that holds the nicotine, would need replacing every day or two, according to how much you smoke.
Three piece e-cigarettes separate the three main components of electronic cigarettes which are the nicotine replacment cartridge, the atomiser and the battery. Experienced smokers prefer electronic cigarettes of this type, but this does not exclude use by those new to e-cigarettes, even as a starter kit, as they are not complicated to use. Smoking is indeed a very complex form of addiction, the tobacco being only one component among many factors. Mostly it is a form of stress management, along with the ‘hand-to-mouth’ ritual, which has already reached an automatism that can not be easily turned off.
Furthermore, the habit of inhaling imbues the smoker with a certain satisfaction. Switching to electronic smoking can easily maintain these habits. The electronic cigarette is modelled on the outer appearance of a traditional cigarette. The unique taste is achieved by a range of bouquets which are produced during “pulling” on the cigarette. E smoke is generated by an integrated evaporator unit, and the tip of the e-cigarette glows with a light that closely resembles that of the glowing tip of a tobacco cigarette.
Existing statutory smoking bans do not apply to electronic smoking because no tobacco is burned. Action on Smoking and Health estimate that in the UK, around seven hundred thousand smokers use e-cigarettes. Some smokers use both traditional cigarettes and e-cigarettes, while others choose to switch completely to vaping. Scientists in the United States at the University of California at Berkeley, and Boston University School of Public Health, indicate that an electronic cigarette in any case constitutes a healthier alternative to conventional tobacco smoke.
